Fillings Can Often Be Used to Repair Small Cavities

Posted December 8, 2016.

A cavity is an area of tooth decay. In most cases, it is detected during your regular dental checkup at Jerry L. Butler, D.D.S., M.A.G.D. Should you notice a change in a tooth’s texture or heightened sensitivity between checkups, you shouldn’t delay in scheduling an appointment at our clinic.

Your dentist, Dr. Jerry Butler, will start by examining the tooth and taking a few X-rays. This will help assess the extent of the decay and insure that the internal structures of the tooth are still healthy and strong.

Your dentist will then explain your numbing options. Most people choose to have Novocain injected into their gums to numb the area.

Your dentist will then use a drill to carefully remove all of the decayed enamel, leaving behind a clean, healthy surface to securely cement the filling into place. The tooth’s appearance in your smile and its primary function in your mouth will directly influence the material the dentist recommends for your filling.

Standard filling materials include gold, amalgam, composite plastic or porcelain. Amalgam and composite fillings can be directly applied to the cavity while gold and porcelain fillings require two appointments.

If you suspect you have a cavity in Boone, North Carolina, you should call Jerry L. Butler, D.D.S., M.A.G.D at (828) 264-5858 to have it examined, treated and repaired.

Dr. Butler's Advanced Degrees and Credentials

Click for live map

We are located on Blowing Rock Road in the big stone building (across from McDonalds) and ready to welcome you to our office.